**Hamas Seeks Amendments to Ceasefire Proposal as Israel Stands Firm**

Hamas has voiced its intent to seek changes to a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal with Israel in Gaza, provoking a dismissive response from President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff. The Palestinian militant group has shown willingness to release 10 living hostages and hand over the bodies of 18 dead in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. However, Hamas has reiterated demands for ending the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, terms that Israel firmly rejects.

An official from Hamas described their feedback on Witkoff's proposals as "positive" but stated that they are requesting certain amendments without elaborating on the exact changes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his government’s agreement to Witkoff’s plan but criticized Hamas' continued refusal to accept the terms. "Israel will continue its actions for the return of our hostages and the defeat of Hamas," Netanyahu asserted.

Hamas articulated their vision for a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and unfettered humanitarian aid access. Their response document, seen by Reuters, outlines demands for unrestricted travel through the Rafah crossing, resumption of goods movement, and reconstruction efforts in Gaza for essential infrastructure including electricity, water, sanitation, hospitals, health centers, schools, and bakeries.

The proposed Hamas plan, purportedly guaranteed by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, stipulates cessation of Israeli military actions coinciding with the ceasefire commencement and specifies that aid is to be delivered through the United Nations, the Red Crescent, and other agreed channels. In exchange for information on Israeli hostages in Gaza, Hamas seeks details on Palestinian prisoners detained since their attack on Israel in October 2023.

The plan sketches out a 60-day truce, entailing the exchange of 28 hostages for over 1,200 Palestinian prisoners and the facilitation of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim denied any rejection of Witkoff's proposal, instead accusing Israel's response of misalignment with agreed terms and charging the U.S. envoy with "complete bias" towards Israel.

As negotiations progress, Hamas requests the phased release of hostages over the 60-day ceasefire span and increased aid distribution across different regions, along with guarantees for the truce to lead to a permanent ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel emphasizes its demand for Hamas’ complete disarmament and return of all hostages.

Trump expressed optimism on Friday, indicating that a ceasefire agreement was nearing, which the White House later affirmed. Witkoff, however, rejected the latest Hamas response, marking it "totally unacceptable" and urging acceptance of the initial framework for immediate proximity talks.

Simultaneously, the Israeli military confirmed targeting Mohammad Sinwar, Hamas' Gaza chief, corroborating earlier claims from Netanyahu. The persistent Israeli offensive aims to suppress Hamas activities and curtail humanitarian crises exacerbated by blockades and war conditions, as international aid organizations struggle to meet the desperate needs of the besieged Gaza population, grappling with severe food shortages and looting incidents.